Asian artists in the film industry invited into Academy Membership

CALGARY (July 2, 2016) — To counteract the #OscarSoWhite criticism trending since the 88th Academy Awards nominations back in January this year, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences had recently sent out a record 683 new membership invitations, a list made up of 46 percent women and 41 percent people of color.

A knee jerk reaction or a long due recognition of some worthy film artists? The ripple effects are still reverberating. I for one welcome such an inclusion. While there are some whose limited credits may not warrant such an honor, at least, not yet, there are many Asian invitees worthy of the honor. Many of them have been acclaimed in international film festival circuits for years.

Will they all accept their invites? That’s anther matter. For now, such a change of stance from the Academy needs to be applauded. Here are some of the Asian invitees in the film industry in this latest door opener:

The 89th Oscars will be held on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2017, at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood and Highland Center in Hollywood. It will be televised live on the ABC Television Network at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. The Oscars also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.